Baby’s Sleep: Why Sleeping on the Back Remains the Golden Rule

13 April 2026

Since the major prevention campaigns of the 1990s, the official advice has remained the same: babies must sleep on their backs. While this rule seems simple, it often raises concerns for new parents: "What if they choke if they are sick?" or "What if their head becomes flat?". Let’s look at the facts regarding sleep safety and comfort.

The Back: A Matter of Vital Safety

Global medical studies are conclusive: sleeping on the back is the most effective way to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

• Why not on the tummy? When on their tummy, a baby breathes less effectively, cannot regulate their temperature as well, and risks re-breathing their own exhaled carbon dioxide.

• The myth of choking on vomit: Contrary to popular belief, a baby sleeping on their back is not at higher risk of choking if they spit up. Their anatomy is designed so that, thanks to a natural protective gag reflex, liquids pass safely into the oesophagus rather than the lungs.

A Clear Environment: "Less is More"

Safe sleep goes beyond just the position. it involves the entire cot environment:

• No cot bumpers: These are one of the main risks for suffocation. A "bare" cot with just bars is the safest option.

• No duvets, sheets, or pillows: Until the age of 1, only a well-fitted baby sleeping bag (grobag) is recommended.

• Ideal temperature: The bedroom should be between 18°C and 20°C. A baby who is too hot sleeps less soundly and faces higher risks.

What About "Flat Head" (Plagiocephaly)?

This is a major worry for parents. To avoid this while staying safe:

• Vary positions during wakefulness: When your baby is awake and supervised, encourage "tummy time" or play on their side.

• Switch ends of the cot: Lay your baby down with their head at a different end of the cot each night. This encourages them to look in different directions rather than always turning towards the door or a light source.

Co-sleeping: Use Caution

Co-sleeping is very common today. While it can make breastfeeding easier, it must be done safely: it is much safer to use a "side-sleeper" cot attached to the parental bed rather than having the baby in the same bed, to avoid risks of accidental rolling or overheating.

Technological Assistance?

Many parents turn to technology to soothe their anxiety, particularly through breathing monitors with sensor pads placed under the mattress or wearable sensors. These devices, designed to alert you at the slightest pause in movement, promise peace of mind but are not immune to false alarms.

We have experienced this ourselves: the monitor went off only once, sending us sprinting through the house faster than we ever thought possible. In the end, it was simply a nap so deep that it had tricked the sensors, but it certainly didn't trick our heart rates 😅, which remained at maximum for long minutes afterward.

While these tools are valuable allies, they remind us that nothing replaces human vigilance. Technology can sometimes be so sensitive that it transforms a heavy sleep into a massive dose of adrenaline for parents. But then again, we would all agree that running for nothing is a small price to pay in such circumstances...